Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Kawhi relished the chance to play with the real Finals MVP, Best In The World, KLow
NBA 2019-20: Fresh Champs, Fresh Faces, Fresh Places!
- Thread starter stringertom
- Start date
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Have not followed that saga and why he left Spurs. Apparently something to do with Spurs claiming Kawhi was too slow to return from injury. We see now with Durant that a player should not be rushed back. It is the player's call on when he comes back. It's his body.
That said, the Warriors should not be throwing big $$$ at Durant and Klay.
Achilles Rupture and Torn ACL are potentially career-ending injuries. They may never come back 100%.
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T1000
Legend
Offseason predictions from what I can remember in the other thread
Kawhai to LAC
KD and Kyrie to Brooklyn
Klay stays in GS
LAL only signs Tobias Harris to a max, Lebron retires
Butler to Toronto
Celtics trade Tatum led package for AD
@Raul_SJ torn acl isn’t career ending especially for a player that doesn’t rely on his athleticism
Kawhai to LAC
KD and Kyrie to Brooklyn
Klay stays in GS
LAL only signs Tobias Harris to a max, Lebron retires
Butler to Toronto
Celtics trade Tatum led package for AD
@Raul_SJ torn acl isn’t career ending especially for a player that doesn’t rely on his athleticism
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Prognosis for torn ACL is much better today due to advances in medicine and rehabilitation. In the 1980's, it was considered
a very serious injury for an NBA player. Also note that knee arthritis is very common within 10 years after torn ACL.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/knee-arthritis-likely-to-develop-after-acl-tear-4154784
a very serious injury for an NBA player. Also note that knee arthritis is very common within 10 years after torn ACL.
Thanks to advances in sports medicine, a torn ACL is not nearly the career killer it used to be.
That’s probably small solace to Warriors guard Klay Thompson as he begins the lengthy rehab period after tearing his ACL in his left knee Thursday night in the climactic Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Klay-Thompson-injury-How-NBA-players-have-13999213.php
https://www.verywellhealth.com/knee-arthritis-likely-to-develop-after-acl-tear-4154784
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Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Lakers get Davis. Gave up quite a bit but worth it with Warriors ailing for next year
NonP
Legend
LOL, gotta love The Klaw:
https://thespun.com/more/top-stories/photo-look-what-kawhi-leonard-did-after-winning-nba-title
Probably Kawhi just being Kawhi, a guy who prefers solitude most of the time. I wouldn't read too much into it.
And it looks like he might be a teetotaler himself! Man Russ is being seriously challenged as my top boy right now.
Ain't gonna happen. Money is the biggest reason, yes, but it also would have a significant effect on the game of basketball itself. As I've pointed out before the league offensive rating went down by an eye-popping 2.8 and 2.7 respectively (dipping from 105.0 to 102.2 and from 107.3 to 104.6) when the 1998-99 and 2011-12 seasons were cut short by 32/16 games due to the lockout and the players had less time to get in shape for the playoffs. FYI the only time going all the way back to MJ's debut ('84-85) when the league saw such a noticeable structural shift was when it banned hand-checking for the 2004-05 season whose ORtg went up by a whopping 3.2, from 102.9 in 2003-2004 to 106.1 (which BTW should give those boosters of zone defense pause, but I digress). I guarantee you there will be lots of moaning about how the offense has stagnated and the current NBA doesn't make for good TV when it shortens the regular season as you suggest.
https://thespun.com/more/top-stories/photo-look-what-kawhi-leonard-did-after-winning-nba-title
Probably Kawhi just being Kawhi, a guy who prefers solitude most of the time. I wouldn't read too much into it.
And it looks like he might be a teetotaler himself! Man Russ is being seriously challenged as my top boy right now.
Ain't gonna happen. Money is the biggest reason, yes, but it also would have a significant effect on the game of basketball itself. As I've pointed out before the league offensive rating went down by an eye-popping 2.8 and 2.7 respectively (dipping from 105.0 to 102.2 and from 107.3 to 104.6) when the 1998-99 and 2011-12 seasons were cut short by 32/16 games due to the lockout and the players had less time to get in shape for the playoffs. FYI the only time going all the way back to MJ's debut ('84-85) when the league saw such a noticeable structural shift was when it banned hand-checking for the 2004-05 season whose ORtg went up by a whopping 3.2, from 102.9 in 2003-2004 to 106.1 (which BTW should give those boosters of zone defense pause, but I digress). I guarantee you there will be lots of moaning about how the offense has stagnated and the current NBA doesn't make for good TV when it shortens the regular season as you suggest.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Did not know the Pelicans have 2 of the top 4 picks
F
FRV
Guest
These Pelicans have a major opportunity in front of them. I'm rooting for Lonzo Ball to become great. BI is pretty good. Zion could become a superstar. Then, what if the Pelicans can somehow finesse themselves up another spot and land RJ Barrett?
F
FRV
Guest
You still think Kawhi is leaving with a property in Toronto?
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Wow! Ingram, Ball and Hart to NOP along with the #4 overall this year and two more 1R picks in future draft years!
With Zion and all those players and picks, NOP will be set for the entire decade while the LABronkers are hoping the Unibrow/James tandem can win immediately with Kuzma and a backcourt TBD.
Vcore89
Talk Tennis Guru
LaVar is gonna go wash his mouth. Magic shouldn't have drafted Lonzo in the first place . . . the distraction and all the excess baggage that comes with it set them back a year. Now, get Kawhi, the PAG will take care of itself.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
LA may be the site for all 7 games of a WC final if Kawhi and another max player (Butler?) sign with the Ballmers.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Reasons that KD might leave:
1. Curry is the face of the team despite not being their best player. KD can be the big fish somewhere else.
2. Management, and possibly his teammates, questioned his commitment and rushed him back from injury.
3. Does not get along with Draymond.
4. KD has led them to championships and now Warriors have shown that they cannot win without KD. Great for legacy if he exits now.
1. Curry is the face of the team despite not being their best player. KD can be the big fish somewhere else.
2. Management, and possibly his teammates, questioned his commitment and rushed him back from injury.
3. Does not get along with Draymond.
4. KD has led them to championships and now Warriors have shown that they cannot win without KD. Great for legacy if he exits now.
Vcore89
Talk Tennis Guru
For some reason, I don't think a Ballmer or an Allen-owned team [They are not Cubes] will ever win a championship no matter the talent and the star misalignment. Rob Pelinka will make it happen to either acquire Kawhi or Jimmy, else face the wrath of the king.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
How soon we forget the Grant Hill/Magic debacle! It will test the faith of any owner/GM to sign him to a max deal knowing he’s likely not playing at all in ‘19-‘20 and possibly damaged goods when he does return at age 31/32. Hill turned 28 the month before he was to make his Magic debut. KD will turn 31 on crutches this September and probably doesn’t dress for a game until he’s a month past 32.
Durant’s max money is earned as a Warrior. If the team indeed “pressured” him to suit up for Game 5, I agree he looks for less money elsewhere if there’s a bidder out there. I don’t buy he was pressed into playing by anything other than his own competitive nature. He had to know all that was at risk if he blew out the wheel. He and his agent would have said, “Do it on your own!” Thus, if he’s looking for max money, something he already gave up once, he’s voiding his last year and re-signing with moneybags Lacob, the guy with an incredible revenue stream from that new Palace on the other side of The Bay. He can absorb the luxury tax double/triple whammy and get ink on paper for KD and KT. That leaves only Draymond out there after 2019-20 and they’ll cross that bridge when they see what condition their conditions are in.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Kawhi as a second/third wheel? Not gonna happen.For some reason, I don't think a Ballmer or an Allen-owned team [They are not Cubes] will ever win a championship no matter the talent and the star misalignment. Rob Pelinka will make it happen to either acquire Kawhi or Jimmy, else face the wrath of the king.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
KD was in NYC for his surgery... but also reportedly had a meeting with Kyrie... Maybe it's just a casual hello.
Or maybe they are discussing going to the Nets together
NBA news: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, free agency rumours, New York ...
https://www.news.com.au/...durant-kyrie.../4012b2ab1b7df605e487f714b5de0008
9 hours ago - Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have reportedly huddled in New York City to talk about joining forces with the same team in free agency. Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report said on Friday on Fox Sports Radio that the meeting between the two superstars likely means Durant won’t be ...
Or maybe they are discussing going to the Nets together
NBA news: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, free agency rumours, New York ...
https://www.news.com.au/...durant-kyrie.../4012b2ab1b7df605e487f714b5de0008
9 hours ago - Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have reportedly huddled in New York City to talk about joining forces with the same team in free agency. Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report said on Friday on Fox Sports Radio that the meeting between the two superstars likely means Durant won’t be ...
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Not too familiar with the salary/contract rules. How much of a differential are we talking about?
What precludes KD from getting approximately the same money elsewhere, such as from the Knicks or Nets?
“I’m told Kevin Durant is out of the hospital, moved into a hotel for the time being in the New York area, and him and Kyrie have met and have continued to discuss playing together next season. KD has moved all his stuff and will spend his summer in New York,” Bucher said.
“Every indication says KD is making plans to be elsewhere because obviously Kyrie will not be joining the Warriors any time soon.”
Multiple reports in recent days said Irving intends to leave the Boston Celtics when he becomes a free agent on June 30, with the Brooklyn Nets predicted to be his desired destination.
Brooklyn has one slot available for a max contract, but Ian Begley of SNY reported a second spot could open up if the Nets don’t bring back point guard D’Angelo Russell.
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stringertom
Bionic Poster
It is weighted to encourage players to stay with their existing teams. It’s 4 years/$160million elsewhere for KD. If he stays, It’s 5 years/$221million.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
I was thinking maybe KD could exercise his option, sit and collect $31.5 million from Warriors next season. Go through rehab and then decide whether to leave or re-sign with Warriors.
But I suppose if Warriors are offering him super max 5 years $221 Million now, despite the injury cloud hanging over him, there is no scenario whereby KD exercises his option.
But I still have doubts that Warriors are gonna offer him super max... Too risky.
If possible (does KD have a no trade clause?), Warriors should look to trade KD now to the Knicks.
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stringertom
Bionic Poster
I’m going to trust Brian Windhorst and his sources have told him GSW intends to offer both KD and KT the super max 5-year deals despite their injury statuses. It’s been all over the Internet since Friday morning.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
So it looks like KD will have to choose between the Warriors 5 year $220 Million or 4 year $160 Million with another team.
It's gonna be a bit embarrassing to the Warriors if he turns them down, although they would privately be breathing a sigh of relief.
Also interesting that while KT has committed to accepting, KD has left Kerr in the dark.
Wherever Durant goes, he figures to sign a long-term deal. The question is which team will land his services. Asked Friday about Durant’s future, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, “I have no idea what Kevin is going to do. I know that we all want him back.”
Does Klay Thompson return?
Thompson’s plans are far clearer than Durant’s. Although Thompson could miss all of next season with a torn left ACL, he is still expected to receive a five-year max contract offer from the Warriors worth $190 million, according to league sources. Asked Friday whether Thompson would sign that deal, his father, Mychal Thompson, said, “No question.”
T1000
Legend
This aged well. Might as well put all your money on the opposite happening.
I’m still in shock that NO settled for two busts, a role player, #4 in the weakest draft in a decade that has little value after #2, and two future first which will be mid to late picks. I didn’t really want AD on the Knicks but Porzingis and a future first is a much better return and a Boston package minus Tatum would’ve been better
Vcore89
Talk Tennis Guru
He knows there's no way the Raps could've withstood a healthy KD-led assault. Upon reflection, embracing the power of collaboration with an effective, efficient and better player than himself is a recipe to continued success. Until LBJ and KD retire, he'll be number 3. Just like Pat Riley said when MJ was playing, everyone else is playing second fiddle.
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victorcruz
Hall of Fame
How can you say there is little value after Morant? RJ is good, c'mon man. He could become a non-flopping version of Harden.
I think Ingram and Ball could develop on a team without major pressure on them. Ball was not going to improve his shot on a win-now team. But he's also injury prone so there's that. Ingram is talented but he's missing the drive to become a star. Some of the later picks were ability to swap... which if the Lakers fizzle out after 2-3 years could come back to haunt them. I also didn't want AD on the Knicks, especially if it was gonna cost them everything (which the Knicks don't have much of anyway lol). And he hasn't exactly proven anything as the 1st option.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
But if it did, the media storm around the Lakers would go nuclear.
F
FRV
Guest
So if Klay stays with the Warriors he could come back around March, right? I'd say the Warriors still have a puncher's chance at the chip. Lakers being the obvious front runners at this point.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Barrett is more of a Derozan than a Harden. Barrett couldn’t even shoot 3s from the college 3 pt line very well.
victorcruz
Hall of Fame
Harden wasn't Harden in college either, otherwise he would have been the 1st or 2nd pick (after Curry). Michael Jordan wasn't Michael Jordan in college as well. People don't max out in college...although I have a hard time believing Zion is gonna be dominating everyone in the NBA as he was in college.
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
Green wants to stay in Toronto. Could that be a hint about Kawhi? After all they are in the same team and know what can happen.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Well yeah but I still just don’t see the comparison really. He’s a poor defender and an inefficient scorer. It’s hard for me to see him taking over games like James Harden. Last Duke player hyped up to be the next Harden was Justise Winslow and he is a role player at best four years later.
The problem is that inherently everyone wants to compare a prospect to a current player and it just never really pans out that way.
I didn’t see much of Morant but Zion is considerably better than Barrett. I honestly am just as skittish on Barrett as I am Cam Reddish.
I don’t think it’s unfair to say this is a weak draft on the surface even if Barrett does live up to the hype.
That said there’s no tangible way to measure potential. I can only go off what I saw watching RJ play all year. He reminded me of Derozan if anyone like I said. Can’t shoot from deep, poor defender, poor ft shooter, turnover machine, gets tunnel vision etc. When Zion went down Duke looked awful.
The only bonafide superstar on Duke I saw was Zion.
I think Barrett will be a 20 ppg guy that makes a lot of money but I’d personally be surprised if he was a superstar. So in other words.. a Derozan
Just my two cents. Time will tell. I just find comparisons in general to be a frivolous exercise.
I’m not even 100 percent certain on anyone to be brutally honest. This is a tricky draft. Past Zion I think a lot of picks are just hoping the potential comes to fruition. Morant included.
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stringertom
Bionic Poster
Harden was the first backcourt draftee and third overall in the same draft that saw Curry go 7th.
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
Over a million people is expected today in Raptors championship parade. Unfortunately I will not be there because of duties.
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
LaVar Ball: Lonzo trade is Lakers' worst move and they are now completely crashed, will never win a championship.
Lol this guy never disappoints!
Lol this guy never disappoints!
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
Yep, one pick after Hasheem Thabeet
That 2009 draft was an odd one. Blake Griffin #1 Thabeet #2, Harden 3, tyreke evans 4. Minnesota and that weird Rubio at 5 Johhny Flynn at 6 mess. Curry #7. Derozan at 9 Jrue at 17 and Teague at 19 were really the only other guys to make All star team.
Spurs drafted Jack McClinton way down at 51 who I thought could have did something. shot 45% from 3 in college, but at only 6 feet tall and this 3 point barrage not happening yet he could not find the court. Really thought that was a steal at the time.
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
Dude is something else, teaches his kid the worst looking shot in the NBA and is then surprised when he cant get it off against athletically superior players. The middle son is terrible yet thinks if all three were on a team its title conteners.
But he keep his and his families names out there.
T1000
Legend
I think winning in Toronto helped their case but I’d still put the Clippers as the favorite. Hed have a chance to be the first FMVP for three teams and also be the first (I believe) to win a franchise’s first championship with two different franchises. He’s also from LA which will help them. For the record I think those two teams are the only ones with a chance to sign him.
@Federer and Del Potro said pretty much what I was gonna say. Only thing I disagree on is I think morant is a sure thing but that’s irrelevant to RJ. I think his ceiling is Rudy gay/demar derozan which is a nice player but not someone I’m thrilled with getting at #3 after tanking for 5 years.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Evans won ROY with a 20/5/5 year but not much after that.Yep, one pick after Hasheem Thabeet
That 2009 draft was an odd one. Blake Griffin #1 Thabeet #2, Harden 3, tyreke evans 4. Minnesota and that weird Rubio at 5 Johhny Flynn at 6 mess. Curry #7. Derozan at 9 Jrue at 17 and Teague at 19 were really the only other guys to make All star team.
Spurs drafted Jack McClinton way down at 51 who I thought could have did something. shot 45% from 3 in college, but at only 6 feet tall and this 3 point barrage not happening yet he could not find the court. Really thought that was a steal at the time.
Federer and Del Potro
Bionic Poster
Yeah my only reservations about Morant is not seeing him enough.
I watched pretty much all of Dukes games and I’d be lying if I said Reddish and Barrett don’t concern me. Knicks definitely wanted Zion.
Zion made RJ and Reddish get hyped to oblivion. Not that there isn’t talent there, just that I see a lot of areas that need significant improvement for NBA ball.
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Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Kawhi's comes across as a simple humble guy. Drives a 20 year old Tahoe.
Don't see his ego being a problem at all. He will play with anybody. Even LeBron.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Only if Lebron becomes a Player/Coach
Steve0904
Talk Tennis Guru
From a strictly basketball/competition standpoint I don't see why Kawhi would go to the Clippers now that the Lakers got AD. I really don't. Why would you go there and face that head on in the Western Conference? I'm sure Kawhi is a competitive guy who's not really "afraid" of the Lakers, but it's basically common sense to stay in the Eastern Conference now. And again, that's from a strictly basketball standpoint. I know it's warmer in LA and that's where he's from. He could go to the Lakers and make another super team, but I actually don't think Kawhi is very interested in that tbh. Unless he's a fantastic actor I don't think he's interested.
I've watched his interviews for a while now, and he just doesn't seen to care that much about getting Finals MVP and individual accolades like that. The Raptors are in a position where only they can offer him a max contract if I'm not mistaken, and they'll probably only get better. The Bucks look like their only serious competition to getting back to at least the Finals. Yes they went 7 with Philly, but I'm not as scared of Embiid and Simmons as I am of Giannis improving, and the competition in the West overall is probably tougher even with the Warriors injuries anyway.
I've watched his interviews for a while now, and he just doesn't seen to care that much about getting Finals MVP and individual accolades like that. The Raptors are in a position where only they can offer him a max contract if I'm not mistaken, and they'll probably only get better. The Bucks look like their only serious competition to getting back to at least the Finals. Yes they went 7 with Philly, but I'm not as scared of Embiid and Simmons as I am of Giannis improving, and the competition in the West overall is probably tougher even with the Warriors injuries anyway.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
I’m not a Lakers fan, but I’m on edge with my popcorn out to see what happens next with the Lakers roster build.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
They need perimeter snipers. Redick might salivate for becoming a LaBronkov dog!
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
How did Toronto sneak up on the rest of the league with snookering trades and build up an entire rotation of solid 2-way players? Moneyball meets basketball.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
If Ujiri leaves and you’re at your career peak, would you prefer to play for an unknown quantity franchise builder or the proven West/Frank hierarchy???
